Etihad and Astral partner to expand their networks

Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation have launched a new partnership that will expand the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s network in Africa.

The new partnership will see Astral operate weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to its home hub of Nairobi where cargo can then be flown to and from other points in the carrier’s African network.

The inaugural flight took place on March 21 but the regular service is expected to commence on March 28.

“Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation have committed to leveraging their combined networks, expertise, and logistics capabilities to enhance cargo services between the UAE and Africa,” the carrier’s said in a press release.

“This partnership is a testament to both airlines’ commitment to providing innovative and customer-centric solutions, ensuring high-quality service across their operations.”

Stanislas Brun, vice president cargo of Etihad Cargo, said: “The successful inaugural flight from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi is just the beginning of Etihad Cargo’s ambitious journey with Astral Aviation. Together, Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation will offer air cargo solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of partners and customers, especially in the fast-growing African market.”

Sanjeev Gadhia, chief executive of Astral Aviation, said: “The partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation marks a significant milestone in trade between Africa and Abu Dhabi, as the new flight will enable the efficient transportation of perishables including flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables and meat from Astral’s hubs in Nairobi and Johannesburg into Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub and onto their network.

“On the return, the freighter will carry cargo from Etihad Cargo’s network in Asia, the US, and Europe into Astral’s Intra-African network, which will result in new opportunities for our respective clients.”

Etihad Cargo will also provide belly capacity to Nairobi via daily passenger flights starting on May 1.

Etihad Cargo to launch Sales Cockpit digital sales optimisation tool